Fighting depression in winter

Make your mental health a priority

Maintaining your mental health is important all-year round, but a post-holiday lull can leave you feeling especially down. If you’re making resolutions to be more active and maintain a healthier diet, don’t forget to also take care of your mental health.

Winter months mean we’ll see freezing temperatures and less sunlight compared to the rest of the year. If you notice that your mood begins to change along with these environmental changes, you may have what’s called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It’s a condition in which your body enters a state of depression due to the reduced amount of sunlight available. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of SAD include irritability, fatigue, social withdrawal, oversleeping, weight gain, feelings of hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide.

Get help

Help for anxiety, depression and other behavioral health issues is just a few clicks away. Find valuable resources at New Directions Behavioral Health.

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health

Leave a Reply